WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people applying for U.S. unemployment benefits fell 23,000 to a seasonally adjusted 298,000 last week, indicating of a healthier job market.
Here are the states with the biggest increases in applications. No states reported substantial declines. The state data are for the week ended Nov. 16, one week behind the national figures:
California: Up 8,326, due to layoffs in service industry, agriculture, forestry and fishing
Pennsylvania: Up 4,416, due to layoffs in construction, scientific services, manufacturing, health care and social services
Michigan: Up 3,426, due to layoffs in company management
Illinois: Up 2,638, due to layoffs in manufacturing, administrative services, waste management, construction, retail and wholesale trade
Texas: Up 2,099, no reason given
Ohio: Up 2,027, due to layoffs in manufacturing